HALLETTSVILLE - For Hallettsville and surrounding areas, a familiar face will continue leading the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office.

Incumbent Micah Harmon on Tuesday appeared to have clinched the win for Lavaca County sheriff, with 18 of 19 precincts reported. Numbers as of 10:30 p.m. indicated he beat Democratic candidate Dennis Kocian.

Harmon, a Republican, has more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement and was first voted into his role in 2004. He was re-elected in 2008.

During his upcoming term, he said he plans to continue to focus on border security and issues associated with Eagle Ford Shale drilling.

"With shale, we'll continue to have more and more traffic and people moving in," he said. "And we've been a member of the Border Star program for years. I want to continue being proactive with the community."

Harmon, 48, said he looks forward to his coming term.

"I always take my opponent seriously, but I think I have a large support base throughout the county," he said. "I look forward to continuing doing what we've been doing."